now i buy "natural" ground sirloin from long's meat market in eugene. it comes from knee deep cattle company. being sirloin, there is no fat to drain off after you cook it and the taste and texture is really great. being grass fed and locally raised, it is a healthy choice. i buy 10lbs at a time, wrapped in 1lb packages, to get the discount. i also call in my order by phone so it is ready when i get there. after a couple years of doing this, i feel that the high quality is consistent. price is roughly $3.30/lb in Jan-2009
perhaps buying directly from knee deep in the fall, after the cows have graised on green pasture all spring and summer, the health benefits would be greatest. but the convenience and service at long's meat market have my business.
I also went to the good earth home show and tried the jerky at the knee deep cattle company booth. no preservatives or nitrates. some was hot and spicy. very good